Inhibiting granulocyte macrophage-colony stimulating factor (gm-csf) prevents preterm birth

ABSTRACT

A method of treating a pregnant female subject includes administering to the pregnant female subject an effective amount of a Granulocyte Macrophage-Colony Stimulating Factor (GM-CSF) inhibitor, wherein the effective amount of the GM-CSF inhibitor is effective to reduce, prevent or delay preterm birth.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a divisional of U.S. application Ser. No. 16/655,733 filed Oct. 17, 2019, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application 62/746,626 filed on Oct. 17, 2018, which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure is related to methods of treating pregnant mammals to reduce, prevent, or delay preterm birth.

BACKGROUND

In the United States, preterm birth remains the leading cause of neonatal morbidity and mortality, and worldwide complications from preterm birth result in 3.1 million neonatal deaths annually. Despite the short- and long-term health consequences of preterm birth and the sizeable health care costs, research efforts thus far have resulted in marginal improvements on the preterm birth rate. This lack of progress reflects a poor understanding of the mechanisms and molecules that mediate preterm birth. Spontaneous preterm birth is considered a complex syndrome with various etiologies ranging from decidual hemorrhage to uterine distension, but the most frequently cited etiology appears related to a pro-inflammatory process from pregnancy related reproductive tissues.

What is needed are compositions and methods for the reduction, prevention or delay of preterm birth.

BRIEF SUMMARY

In one aspect, a method of treating a pregnant female subject comprises administering to the pregnant female subject an effective amount of a Granulocyte Macrophage-Colony Stimulating Factor (GM-CSF) inhibitor, wherein the effective amount of the GM-CSF inhibitor is effective to reduce, prevent or delay preterm birth.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a bar graph representing the mean and standard error of the mean (SEM) demonstrating the effect of 25 μg/ml of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) for 24 hours increased the concentration of GM-CSF from ectocervical cells (*p<0.001).

FIG. 2 is a bar graph representing the mean and standard error of the mean (SEM) demonstrating the effect of 25 μg/ml of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) for 24 hours increased the concentration of GM-CSF from endocervical cells (*p<0.0005).

FIG. 3 is a bar graph representing the mean and standard error of the mean (SEM) demonstrating the effect of 25 μg/ml of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) for 24 hours increased the concentration of GM-CSF from AF-MSCs (*p<0.001) compared to saline (Sal) controls by t test.

FIG. 4 shows that LPS also increased the expression of GM-CSF from ectocervical cells (*p<0.0005) compared to Sal controls using qPCR by t test (N=3-4 per treatment group.

FIG. 5 shows that LPS also increased the expression of GM-CSF from endocervical cells (*p<0.01) compared to Sal controls using qPCR by t test (N=3-4 per treatment group.

FIG. 6 shows that LPS also increased the expression of GM-CSF from AF-MSCs (*p<0.0001) compared to Sal controls using qPCR by t test (N=3-4 per treatment group.

FIG. 7 is a bar graph depicting the mean and SEM demonstrating the effect of LPS on the expression of GM-CSF six hours after an intrauterine injection of 250 μg of lipopolysaccharide (LPS). LPS increased the expression of GM-CSF from the mouse cervix (*p<0.005) compared to mice receiving an intrauterine injection of Sal by t test.

FIG. 8 is a bar graph depicting the mean and SEM demonstrating the effect of LPS on the expression of GM-CSF six hours after an intrauterine injection of 250 μg of lipopolysaccharide (LPS). LPS increased the expression of GM-CSF from the mouse uterus (*p<0.0001) compared to mice receiving an intrauterine injection of Sal by t test.

FIG. 9 shows mice treated with an intrauterine injection of saline (Sal) and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) had a preterm birth rate (process of delivering) within six hours of 0% and 87.5%, respectively. Mice treated with LPS and the isotype control antibody (LPS+IgG) had a preterm birth rate of 66.7% compared to a 25% preterm birth rate in mice receiving LPS and the anti-mouse GM-CSF antibody (LPS+GM-CSFab) (*p<0.05 chi square).

FIG. 10 is a bar graph depicting the mean and SEM demonstrating the concentration of GM-CSF in the serum of mice treated with saline (Sal), lipopolysaccharide (LPS), LPS and the GM-CSF antibody (LPS+GM-CSFAb), and LPS and the control antibody (LPS+IgG). The concentration of GM-CSF was increased with LPS and LPS+IgG compared to mice treated with Sal (*p<0.0001) in the serum but not in the amniotic fluid. Treatment with the GM-CSF antibody decreases the concentration of GM-CSF in the serum (**p<0.001) and amniotic fluid(*p<0.01), one-way ANOVA, student newman keuls (SNK).

FIG. 11 is a bar graph depicting the mean and SEM demonstrating the concentration of GM-CSF in the amniotic fluid of mice treated with saline (Sal), lipopolysaccharide (LPS), LPS and the GM-CSF antibody (LPS+GM-CSFAb), and LPS and the control antibody (LPS+IgG). The concentration of GM-CSF was increased with LPS and LPS+IgG compared to mice treated with Sal (*p<0.0001) in the serum but not in the amniotic fluid. Treatment with the GM-CSF antibody decreases the concentration of GM-CSF in the serum (**p<0.001) and amniotic fluid(*p<0.01), one-way ANOVA, student newman keuls (SNK).

FIG. 12 shows photographs of cervix from day 17 pregnant mice injected with treatments six hours earlier. Left to right: Saline (Sal), lipopolysaccharide (LPS), LPS+granulocyte macrophage colony stimulating factor antibody (LPS+GM-CSFab), or LPS+isotype control antibody (LPS+IgG) treated cervix (E17) stained by immunohistochemistry for macrophages (brown) with hematoxylin counterstain. Scale bar=25 μm.

FIG. 13 shows the density of cell nuclei/area in the cervix stroma on day E17 of pregnancy treated with saline (Sal), lipopolysaccharide (LPS), LPS+granulocyte macrophage-colony stimulating factor antibody (LPS+GM-CSFab), or LPS+isotype control antibody (LPS+IgG). Data are mean±SE. *p<0.05 vs Sal and LPS groups by ANOVA.

FIG. 14 shows the optical density of picrosirius red stained collagen in the cervix stroma on day E17 of pregnancy treated with saline (Sal), lipopolysaccharide (LPS), LPS+granulocyte macrophage-colony stimulating factor antibody (LPS+GM-CSFab), or LPS+isotype control antibody (LPS+IgG). Data are mean±SE. *p<0.05 vs Sal and LPS groups by ANOVA.

FIG. 15 shows the density of macrophage in the cervix stroma on day E17 of pregnancy treated with saline (Sal), lipopolysaccharide (LPS), LPS+granulocyte macrophage-colony stimulating factor antibody (LPS+GM-CSFab), or LPS+isotype control antibody (LPS+IgG). Data are mean±SE. *p<0.05 vs Sal and LPS groups by ANOVA.

The above-described and other features will be appreciated and understood by those skilled in the art from the following detailed description, drawings, and appended claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Macrophages are innate immune cells that contribute to preterm labor. Macrophages play a role in the rupture of fetal membranes, as they have been shown to produce matrix metallopeptidases 9 (MMP-9), an enzyme increased in fetal membranes in preterm labor and preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM). Additionally, macrophages produce vasoactive molecules (NO and prostaglandins) and pro-inflammatory cytokines which lead to edema and the release of MMPs by the fetal membranes leading to PPROM and prepartum changes in the reproductive tract. Similarly in rodents, the number of macrophages in the cervix peaks prior to birth, a period where the cervix softens and ripens and progesterone in the circulation is at or near peak concentrations. This increased presence or activity of macrophages leads to the increase in leukocyte collagenases which are thought to promote prepartum extracellular matrix remodeling during the transition from a soft to ripe cervix. Therefore, based on the increased presence and activity of macrophages prior to birth during cervical ripening, macrophages may play an essential role in preterm birth.

Granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF), a monomeric glycoprotein, may also be involved in the parturition process by stimulating stem cells to produce monocytes and promoting their maturation into macrophages in the tissue. In pathophysiologic circumstances, GM-CSF is secreted during a pro-inflammatory response by immune cells, endothelial cells, and fibroblasts. Mature tissue-resident macrophages also produce GM-CSF to amplify the local inflammatory process, promote the additional recruitment of immune cells and mature tissue-resident macrophages, and stimulate the maturation of precursor cells.

Prior data has shown GM-CSF is linked with preterm birth. For example, serum GM-CSF concentrations elevated in women during the first trimester are at increased risk for preterm delivery. GM-CSF concentrations also are increased in vaginal swabs obtained from patients with a short cervix, a risk factor for spontaneous preterm birth. Similarly, in an inflammation-induced mouse model for preterm birth, serum GM-CSF concentrations increase within six hours of treatment. Together, these studies suggest increased prepartum concentrations of GM-CSF are associated with spontaneous preterm birth.

Thus, to determine whether GM-CSF has a role in the mechanism of inflammation initiated preterm labor and preterm birth, a series of experiments using multiple different reproductive tissue-derived cell lines were used to determine potential cites of GM-CSF production. To determine if GM-CSF plays a direct mechanistic role in controlling preterm birth, an inflammatory mouse model was used to test if a therapeutic blockade of GM-CSF inhibits critical features of cervical remodeling and prevents preterm birth.

In an aspect, a method of treating a pregnant female subject comprises administering to the pregnant female subject an effective amount of a Granulocyte Macrophage-Colony Stimulating Factor (GM-CSF) inhibitor, wherein the effective amount of the GM-CSF inhibitor is effective to reduce, prevent or delay preterm birth. In an aspect, preterm birth is spontaneous preterm birth.

As used herein, a “subject” is a female member of the class mammalia, including humans, domestic and farm animals, and zoo, sports or pet animals, such as mouse, rabbit, pig, sheep, goat, cattle, horse (e.g., race horse), and higher primates. In preferred embodiments, the subject is a human female.

As used herein, for pregnant human females, the term “preterm birth” is meant a birth that occurs before 37 weeks of gestation, e.g., between 20 to 37 weeks of gestation (e.g., 20 weeks to 26 weeks, 20 weeks to 30 weeks, 20 weeks to 36 weeks, or 34 weeks to 37 weeks of gestation).

In an aspect, pregnant human female presents to labor and delivery with symptoms of preterm birth. Symptoms of preterm birth include vaginal discharge, vaginal bleeding, pressure in the pelvis or lower belly, constant dull backache, belly cramps with or without diarrhea, painful or frequent contractions, and preterm breakage of membranes.

In an aspect, the pregnant female human subject is at risk of preterm birth. By the term “at risk of preterm birth” is meant a subject that has an increased risk of having a preterm birth as compared to a control population (e.g., a group of subjects of substantially the same age and/or gestational stage, optionally a group of subjects that have never had a preterm birth (e.g., a group of subjects that have never had a preterm birth and/or have had at least one term birth), or a group of subjects that are pregnant and the pregnancy results in a term birth).

In an aspect, the pregnant human female subject at risk of preterm birth has a short cervical length, an infection, a placental anomaly, have had a prior cesarean delivery, has or had uterine fibroids, a connective tissue disorder, is pregnant from in vitro fertilization, diabetes, blood clotting problems, high blood pressure, vaginal bleeding, a personal history of preterm birth, a family history of preterm birth, a previous pregnancy with 18 months of the current pregnancy, a current multi-fetal pregnancy, a uterine abnormality, a cervical abnormality, is overweight before or during pregnancy, is underweight before or during pregnancy, or is carrying a fetus with known birth defects.

Exemplary connective disorders include like Ehlers-Danlos syndromes (also called EDS) and vascular Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (also called vEDS).

Exemplary infections include urinary tract infections, sexually transmitted infections, and vaginal infections.

In a further aspect, the pregnant human female subject at risk of preterm birth is a human woman engaging in smoking, engaging in drinking alcohol, using illegal drugs, with limited or no healthcare during pregnancy, subject to stress, subject to long working hours with long periods of standing, or exposed to environmental pollutants. Exemplary environmental pollutants include air pollution, lead, radiation, secondhand smoke, and the like.

In another aspect, the method comprises checking the female subject for signs of preterm labor. Exemplary methods of checking the female subject for signs of preterm labor include a cervical exam, a transvaginal ultrasound exam, testing for amniotic fluid, or testing for fetal fibronectin.

The methods may also comprise additional treatments such as treating with, administering tocolytic medicines, administering corticosteroids, performing cervical cerclage, and administering antibiotics. Tocolytic drugs are drugs used to delay delivery such as magnesium sulfate, beta-mimetics such as terbutaline, calcium channel blockers such as nifedipine and NSAIDs such as indomethacin.

Preterm birth can also be a problem for farm animals such as cattle, horses, sheep, and others. In addition, zoo animals such as non-human primates, red pandas, giant pandas, lions, hippos, elephants, and others.

Several GM-CSF inhibitors such as anti-GM-CSF antibodies are known in the art.

Mavrilimumab is a human IgG4 monoclonal antibody against GM-CSF receptor a which is in clinical trials for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. Mavrilimumab can be injected in doses of 10, 30, 50, 100 or 150 mg biweekly, for example.

Mavrilimumab (CAS No. 1085337-57-0) is described, for example, in U.S. Pat. Nos. 8,263,075 and 8,506,960. US20140335081 describes the use of mavrilimumab to treat rheumatoid arthritis. Mavrilimumab, as used herein, encompasses the mavrilimumab antibody comprising a heavy chain of SEQ ID NO: 1 and a light chain of SEQ ID NO: 2.

SEQ ID NO: 1 QVQLVQSGAEVKKPGASVKVSCKVSGYTLTELSIHWVRQAPGKGLEWMGGF DPEENEIVYAQRFQGRVTMTEDTSTDTAYMELSSLRSEDTAVYYCAIVGSF SPLTLGLWGQGTMVTVSSASTKGPSVFPLAPCSRSTSESTAALGCLVKDYF PEPVTVSWNSGALTSGVHTFPAVLQSSGLYSLSSWTVPSSSLGTKTYTCNV DHKPSNTKVDKRVESKYGPPCPS CPAPEFLGGPSVFLFPPKPKDTLMISR TPEVTCVWDVSQEDPEVQFNWYVDGVEVHNAKTKPREEQFNSTYRWSVLTV LHQDWLNGKEYKCKVSNKGLPSS IEKTISKAKGQPREPQVYTLPPSQEEM TKNQVSLTCLVKGFYPSDIAVEWESNGQPENNYKTTPPVLDSDGSFFLYSR LTVDKSRWQEGNVFSCSVMHEALHNHYTQKSLSLSLGK SEQ ID NO: 2 QSVLTQPPSVSGAPGQRVTI SCTGSGSNIGAPYDVSWYQQLPGTAPKLLI YHNNKRPSGVDRFSGSKSGTSASLAITGLQAEDEADYYCATVEAGLSGSVF GGGTKLTVLGQPKAAPSVTLFPPSSEELQANKATLVCLISDFYPGAVTVAW KADSSPVKAGVETTTPSKQSNNKYAAS SYLSLTPEQWKSHRSYSCQVTHE GSTVEKTVAPTECS

Otilimab (CAS No. 1638332-55-4) (MOR103) is a fully human monoclonal antibody against GM-CSF which is in clinical trials for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis and multiple sclerosis. MOR103 can be injected in doses of 0.3, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5 and 2.0 mg/kg weekly. U.S. Pat. No. 7,867,495, incorporated by reference herein, describes MOR103. MOR103 has a heavy chain of SEQ ID NO: 3 and a light chain of SEQ ID NO: 4.

SEQ ID NO: 3 QVQLVESGGGLVQPGGSLRLSCAASGFTFSSYWMNWVRQAPGKGLEWVSGI ENKYAGGATYYAASVKGRFTISRDNSKNTLYLQMNSLRAEDTAVYYCARGF GTDFWGQGTLVTVSSASTKGPSVFPLAPSSKSTSGGTAALGCLVKDYFPEP VTVSWNSGALTSGVHTFPAVLQSSGLYSLSSWTVPSSSLGTQTYICNVNHK PSNTKVDKRVEPKSCDKTHTCPPCPAPELLGGPSVFLFPPKPKDTLMISRT PEVTCVWDVSHEDPEVKFNWYVDGVEVHNAKTKPREEQYNSTYRWSVLTVL HQDWLNGKEYKCKVSNKALPAPIEKTISKAKGQPREPQVYTLPPSREEMTK NQVSLTCLVKGFYPSDIAVEWESNGQPENNYKTTPPVLDSDGSFFLYSKLT VDKSRWQQG NVFSCSVMHEALHNHYTQKSLSLSPGK SEQ ID NO: 4 DIELTQPPSVSVAPGQTARISCSGDSIGKKYAYWYQQKPGQAPVLVIYKKR PSGIPERFSGS NSGNTATLTISGTQAEDEADYYCSAWGDKGMVFGGGTKL TVLGQ

TJM2 (TJ003234) is a humanized immunoglobulin G1 (IgG1) targeting granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF). TJM2 is being developed by I-Mab Biopharma for the treatment of autoimmune and inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis.

Lenzilumab (CAS No. 1229575-09-0) (KB003) is a humanized monoclonal antibody targeting GM-CSF. Lenzilumab has been shown to improve the effectiveness of CAR-T. Exemplary doses of lenzilumab are 10, 50 and 100 mg/kg. Lenzilumab has a heavy chain of SEQ ID NO: 5 and a light chain of SEQ ID NO: 6.

SEQ ID NO: 5 QVQLVQSGAEVKKPGASVKVSCKASGYSFTNYYIHWVRQAPGQRLEWMGWI NAGNGNTKYSQKFQGRVTITRDTSASTAYMELSSLRSEDTAVYYCVRRQ R FPYYFDYWGQGTLVTVSSASTKGPSVFPLAPSSKSTSGGTAALGCLVKDYF PEPVTVSWNSGALTSGVHTFPAVLQSSGLYSLSSVVTVPSSSLGTQTYICN VNHKPSNTKVDKRVEPKSCDKTHTCPPCPAPELLGGPSVFLFPPKPKDTLM ISRTPEVTCVVVDVSHEDPEVKFNWYVDGVEVHNAKTKPREEQYNSTYRVV SVLTVLHQDWLNGKEYKCKVSNKALPAPIEKTISKAKGQPREPQVYTLPPS REEMTKNQVSLTCLVKGFYPSDIAVEWESNGQPENNYKTTPPVLDSDGSFF LYSKLTVDKSRWQQGNVFSCSVMHEALHNHYTQKSLSLSPGK SEQ ID NO: 6 EIVLTQSPATLSVSPGERATLSCRASQSVGTNVAWYQQKPGQAPRVLIYST SSRATGITDRFSGSGSGTDFTLTISRLEPEDFAVYYCQQFNKSPLTFGGGT KVEIKRTVAAPSVFIFPPSDEQLKSGTASVVCLLNNFYPREAKVQWKVDNA LQSGNSQESVTEQDSKDSTYSLSSTLTLSKADYEKHKVYACEVTHQGLSSP VTKSFNRGEC

Namilumab (CAS No. 1206681-39-1) is a human monoclonal antibody against GM-CSF in clinical trials for rheumatoid arthritis and psoriasis. Namilumab can be injected in doses of 40, 100, 150, 160 or 300 mg biweekly. Namilumab is described in U.S. Pat. No. 8,017,748. Namilumab has a heavy chain of SEQ ID NO: 7 and a light chain of SEQ ID NO: 8.

(HEAVY CHAIN PEPTIDE SEQUENCE - NAMILUMAB) SEQ ID NO: 7 QVQLVQSGAEVKKPGASVKVSCKAFGYPFTDYLLHWVRQAPGQGLEWVGWL NPYSGDTNYAQKFQGRVTMTRDTSISTAYMELSRLRSDDTAVYYCTRTTLI SVYFDYWGQGTMVTVSSASTKGPSVFPLAPSSKSTSGGTAALGCLVKDYFP EPVTVSWNSGALTSGVHTFPAVLQSSGLYSLSSWTVPSSSLGTQTYICNVH KPSNTKVDKKVEPKSCDKTHTCPPCPAPELLGGPSVFLFPPKPKDTLMISR TPEVTCVWDVSHEDPEVKFNWYVDGVEVHNAKTKPREEQYNSTYRWSVLTV LHQDWLNGKEYKCKVSNKALPAPIEKTISKAKGQPREPQVYTLPPSRDELT KNQVSLTCLVKGFYPSDIAVEWESNGQPENNYKTTPPVLDSDGSFFLYSKL TVDKSRWQQGNVFSCSVMHEALHNHYTQKSLS LSPGK (LIGHT CHAIN PEPTIDE SEQUENCE - NAMILUMAB) SEQ ID NO: 8 DIQMTQSPSSVSASVGDRVTIACRASQNIRNILNWYQQRPGKAPQLLIYAA SNLQSGVPSRFSGSGSGTDFTLTINSLQPEDFATYYCQQSYSMPRTFGGGT KLEIKRTVAAPSVFIFPPSDEQLKSGTASVVCLLNNFYPREAKVQWKVDNA LQSGNSQESVTEQDSKDSTYSLSSTLTLSKADYEKHKVYACEVTHQGLSSP VTKSFNRGEC

Gimsilumab (CAS No. 1648796-29-5) (MORAb-022) is a fully human monoclonal antibody being evaluated for its potential in the treatment of multiple inflammatory diseases and cancer. Gimsilumab has a heavy chain of SEQ ID NO: 9 and a light chain of SEQ ID NO: 10.

SEQ ID NO: 9 EVQLVESGGGLVQPGGSLRLSCAASGFTFSRHWMHWLRQVPGKGPVWVSRI NGAGTSITYADSVRGRFTISRDNANNTLFLQMNSLRADDTALYFCARANSV WFRGLFDYWGQGTPVTVSSASTKGPSVFPLAPSSKSTSGGTAALGCLVKDY FPEPVTVSWNSGALTSGVHTFPAVLQSSGLYSLSSVVTVPSSSLGTQTYIC NVNHKPSNTKVDKKVEPKSCDKTHTCPPCPAPELLGGPSVFLFPPKPKDTL MISRTPEVTCVVVDVSHEDPEVKFNWYVDGVEVHNAKTKPREEQYNSTYRV VSVLTVLHQDWLNGKEYKCKVSNKALPAPIEKTISKAKGQPREPQVYTLPP SRDELTKNQVSLTCLVKGFYPSDIAVEWESNGQPENNYKTTPPVLDSDGSF FLYSKLTVDKSRWQQGNVFSCSVVHEALHNHYTQKSLSLSPGK SEQ ID NO: 10 EIVLTQSPVTLSVSPGERVTLSCRASQSVSTNLAWYQQKLGQGPRLLIYGA STRATDIPARFSGSGSETEFTLTISSLQSEDFAVYYCQQYDKWPDTFGQGT KLEIKRTVAAPSVFIFPPSDEQLKSGTASVVCLLNNFYPREAKVQWKVDNA LQSGNSQESVTEQDSKDSTYSLSSTLTLSKADYEKHKVYACEVTHQGLSSP VTKSFNRGEC

Additional anti-GM-CSF antibodies include PD-0360324.

Peptides that inhibit GM-CSF by inhibiting the interaction of GM-CSF and its receptor include SEQ ID NO: 11 (CGKASATKGKGEATGGC), SEQ ID NO: 12 (CGTAEGKGGKGTASAKGGC), SEQ ID NO: 13 (QPWEHVNAIQERRLLNLSR), SEQ ID NO: 14 (KDFLLVIPFDCWEPVQE), SEQ ID NO: 15 (FQYQLDVHRKN); and SEQ ID NO: 16 (ADVRILN) as described in U.S. Pat. No. 9,453,050. In an aspect, the peptide comprises any one of SEQ ID NOs. 11-16, or a variant with 95% or more homology to any one of SEQ ID NOs. 11-16.

In another aspect, the GM-CSF inhibitor comprises an inhibitory nucleic acid that reduces the expression of GM-CSF or GM-CSF receptor. For example, small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) and antisense RNAs can be used. Useful inhibitory nucleic acids include those that reduce the expression of GM-CSF or its receptor by at least 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, 95% or 99% in a cell or tissue compared to a cell or tissue that has not been exposed to the inhibitory nucleic acid.

RNAi is a process whereby double-stranded RNA (dsRNA, also referred to herein as siRNAs or ds siRNAs, for double-stranded small interfering RNAs) induces the sequence-specific degradation of homologous mRNA in animals and plant cells. In mammalian cells, RNAi can be triggered by 21-nucleotide (nt) duplexes of small interfering RNA (sRNA), or by micro-RNAs (miRNA), functional small-hairpin RNA (shRNA), or other dsRNAs which are expressed in vivo using DNA templates with RNA polymerase III promoters.

The nucleic acid molecules or constructs can include dsRNA molecules comprising 16-30, e.g., 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, or nucleotides in each strand, wherein one of the strands is substantially identical, e.g., at least 80% (or more, e.g., 85%, 90%, 95%, 99% or 100%) identical, e.g., having 3, 2, 1, or 0 mismatched nucleotide(s), to a target region in the mRNA, and the other strand is complementary to the first strand. The dsRNA molecules can be chemically synthesized, or can transcribed in vitro from a DNA template, or in vivo from, e.g., shRNA. The dsRNA molecules can be designed using any method known in the art; a number of algorithms are known and are commercially available.

An “antisense” nucleic acid can include a nucleotide sequence that is complementary to a “sense” nucleic acid encoding a protein, e.g., complementary to the coding strand of a double-stranded cDNA molecule or complementary to an integrin ligand mRNA sequence. The antisense nucleic acid can be complementary to an entire coding strand of a target sequence, e.g., an mRNA, or to only a portion thereof. According to some embodiments, the antisense nucleic acid molecule is antisense to a “noncoding region” of the coding strand of a nucleotide sequence (e.g., the 5′ and 3′ untranslated regions). For example, the antisense oligonucleotide can be complementary to the region surrounding the translation start site of the target mRNA, e.g., between the −10 and +10 regions of the target gene nucleotide sequence of interest. An antisense oligonucleotide can be, for example, about 7, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, or more nucleotides in length.

The terms “effective amount,” “therapeutically effective amount and “pharmaceutically effective amount” as used herein, refer to a sufficient amount of at least one agent or compound being administered which will relieve to some extent one or more of the symptoms of the disease or condition being treated. The result can be reduction and/or alleviation of the signs, symptoms, or causes of a disease, or any other desired alteration of a biological system. For example, an “effective amount” for therapeutic uses is the amount of the composition comprising the compound as disclosed herein required to provide a clinically significant decrease in acute urticaria.

The terms “treat,” “treating” or “treatment,” and other grammatical equivalents as used herein, include alleviating, abating or ameliorating a disease or condition symptoms, preventing additional symptoms, ameliorating or preventing the underlying metabolic causes of symptoms, inhibiting the disease or condition, e.g., arresting the development of the disease or condition, relieving the disease or condition, causing regression of the disease or condition, relieving a condition caused by the disease or condition, or stopping the symptoms of the disease or condition, and are intended to include prophylaxis. The terms further include achieving a therapeutic benefit and/or a prophylactic benefit. By therapeutic benefit is meant eradication or amelioration of the underlying disorder being treated. Also, a therapeutic benefit is achieved with the eradication or amelioration of one or more of the physiological symptoms associated with the underlying disorder such that an improvement is observed in the patient, notwithstanding that the patient may still be afflicted with the underlying disorder.

The terms “administer,” “administering,” “administration,” and the like, as used herein, refer to the methods that may be used to enable delivery of compounds or compositions to the desired site of biological action. These methods include, but are not limited to oral routes, intraduodenal routes, parenteral injection (including intravenous, subcutaneous, intraperitoneal, intramuscular, intravascular or infusion), topical and rectal administration. Those of skill in the art are familiar with administration techniques that can be employed with the compounds and methods described herein, e.g., as discussed in Goodman and Gilman, The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics, current ed.; Pergamon; and Remington's, Pharmaceutical Sciences (current edition), Mack Publishing Co., Easton, Pa.

The term “acceptable” as used herein, with respect to a formulation, composition or ingredient, means having no persistent detrimental effect on the general health of the subject being treated.

The invention is further illustrated by the following non-limiting examples.

EXAMPLES Methods

Cervical Cell Culture and Preparation: Immortalized HPV 16/E6E7 ectocervical (ATCC CRL-2614) and endocervical (ATCC CRL-2615) cells (American Type Culture Collection, Manassas, Va.) were maintained in keratinocyte serum-free medium (GIBCO BRL Life Technologies, Gaithersburg, Md.) supplemented with 50 μg/ml bovine pituitary extract (BPE), 0.1 ng/ml epidermal growth factor (EGF), 100 U/ml penicillin, and 100 μg/ml of streptomycin (Life Technologies, Grand Island, N.Y.) at 37° C. in a 5% CO₂ humidified incubator.

Amniotic Fluid Mesenchymal Stem Cell Culture and Preparation: Human amniotic fluid mesenchymal stem cells (AF-MSCs) were studied to determine if cells within the amniotic cavity have the potential to produce GM-CSF. Briefly, AF-MSCs were obtained from patients undergoing amniocentesis at Hartford Hospital (Hartford Hospital IRB #FINC003364HU). The discarded sample (˜5 mL) was collected and AF-MSCs were manually isolated by the published starter cell method.

AF-MSCs were maintained in AF Media, which consists of MEM alpha medium (Life Technologies, Grand Island, N.Y.) containing 18% Chang medium® B (Irvine Scientific, Santa Ana, Calif.), 2% Chang medium® C (Irvine Scientific, Santa Ana, Calif.), 20% Fetal Bovine Serum (FBS) (Atlanta Biologicals, Lawrenceville, Ga.), 2 mM L-Glutamine (Life Technologies, Grand Island, N.Y.), 100 U/ml penicillin, and 100 μg/ml of streptomycin (Life Technologies, Grand Island, N.Y.) at 37° C. in a 5% CO₂ humidified incubator. AF-MSC's utilized were less than passage ten.

Detection of Soluble Immunobiological Mediators: Ectocervical and endocervical cells were plated at a concentration of 9.6×10⁴ cells per well (1.07×10⁴ cells/cm²) on six well plates for 24 hours in keratinocyte serum-free medium containing BPE, EGF, penicillin, and streptomycin. Cells were then treated with keratinocyte serum-free media containing only penicillin and streptomycin for an additional 24 hours prior to LPS treatment. AF-MSCs were plated at a concentration 1×10⁴ cells/cm² in AF media for 24 hours. All three cell lines were treated with 25 μg/ml of lipopolysaccharide strain Escherichia coli 055:B5 (LPS) (Sigma Chemical Company, St. Louis, Mo.) (N=3-4 per treatment group in all three cell lines) for 24 hours. Media was collected and assessed for GM-CSF using an ELISA (R&D Systems, Minneapolis Minn.) and analyzed according to the manufactures protocol. RNA was collected for quantitative real time PCR (qRT-PCR) for expression of GM-CSF.

Mouse Model of Intrauterine Inflammation: All procedures were performed with Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee approval from the University of Connecticut School of Medicine. As previously reported, this model mimics the clinical scenario of an inflammatory response in the uterus leading to a spontaneous preterm birth and does not result in maternal mortality. CD-1 timed pregnant mice (Charles River Laboratories, Wilmington, Mass.) received an intrauterine injections of LPS (Escherichia coli, 055: B5, Sigma Chemical Co, St Louis, Mo.) at a dose of 250 μg in 100 μL of phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) on embryonic day 17 (E17). The treatment day of E17 was chosen to mimic the typical clinical presentation of intrauterine inflammation associated with presentation of cervix ripening and preterm labor. The survival surgeries were performed by placing the pregnant mouse under a mask maintaining a continuous flow of isoflurane to obtain adequate deep anesthesia. A mini-laparotomy was then performed in the lower abdomen; LPS or saline was infused into the right uterine horn between the first and second gestational sacs (just cephalad from the cervix). Peritoneal closure was performed with sutures and the incision closed with staples. Mice were monitored until either the birth of the first pup or up to six hours, after which the dams were euthanized with carbon dioxide. For these experiments, preterm birth was defined as delivering at least one mouse pup thru the cervix within six hours of the intrauterine injection. Each cervix and uterus was harvested and flash frozen with liquid nitrogen for messenger RNA (mRNA) expression. Samples were stored at −80° C. until processed for quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) analysis as described below. Sixteen animals received an intrauterine injection either LPS or saline.

A second series of experiments were performed to determine if systemic treatment with an antibody to GM-CSF would prevent preterm birth or impact cervical remodeling. Mice were treated as described above, and immediately after the intrauterine injection of LPS while still anesthetized, a 200 μg/100 μl retro-orbital injection was administered containing either an anti-mouse GM-CSF antibody (Bio X Cell, West Lebanon N.H., Catalog #BE0259) or a nonspecific isotype IgG control antibody (Bio X Cell, Catalog #BE0089). The particular IgG control antibody was chosen to match the isotype and species of the GM-CSF, thus to mimic any nonspecific xenogeneic reaction to treatment. Mice were again monitored until either the birth of the first pup or up to six hours, after which the dams were euthanized with carbon dioxide. The cervix was harvested, flash frozen with liquid nitrogen and shipped to Loma Linda University for histology and analyses (see below). In addition, the amniotic fluid and serum was collected to determine the concentration of GM-CSF by ELISA (BioLegend, San Diego Calif.) and analyzed according to the manufacture's protocol.

A power analysis was performed to determine if the GM-CSF antibody statistically decreases the rate of preterm birth compared to the isotype control antibody in mice receiving an intrauterine injection of LPS. We estimated the preterm birth rate within 6 hours would be 75% in mice receiving LPS and the control antibody, and 20% in mice receiving LPS and the GM-CSF antibody. Assuming an alpha of 0.05 and a power of 80%, we estimated we would need 12 animals per treatment group.

Cervix histology and analyses: Cervix were immersion fixed in fresh 4% paraformaldehyde, transferred the next day to 70% ethanol, paraffin-embedded, sectioned (6 μm), and stained with a picrosirius red to identify cross-linked collagen. Optical density (OD) of polarized light birefringence from picrosirius red stain reflects cross-linked collagen fibers in the extracellular matrix of the stroma. Other sections were stained to identify mature Mφs (F4/80 antibody 1:800 dilution, T-2006; Bachem, Torrance, Calif.) and counterstained with hematoxylin to visualize cell nuclei as previously described. Sections were imaged with an Aperio ScanScope® microscope and 8-16 photomicrographs (300×417 μm) taken from each of two cross-sections of cervix for each mouse. Cell nuclei and Mφs in stroma were counted using NIH Image J with care taken to exclude blood vessels, lumen, epithelium, and other atypical structures. As before, Mφs were defined as brown stain within a cell boundary in proximity to a hematoxylin-stained cell nucleus. Collagen and Mφ numbers/area were normalized to total number of cells/area for each animal to adjust for heterogeneity of anatomy that occurs within and among sections, as well as individuals. All cervices analyzed from mice receiving LPS only or LPS and the GM-CSF control antibody delivered within six hours. Cervices analyzed from mice receiving LPS and the GM-CSF neutralizing antibody did not deliver within six hours.

Quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction: Total RNA was extracted from both the immortalized ectocervical and endocervical cells after 24 hours of LPS exposure and the mouse cervix and uterus using Qiagen RNeasy® Mini Kits according to product protocol. Complementary DNA (cDNA) was generated from 1 μg of RNA/sample using a cDNA reverse transcription kit (Bio-Rad Laboratories, Hercules, Calif.). To assess expression, quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) was performed using equivalent dilutions of each sample on a Bio-Rad CFX qPCR instrument (N=3-4 per treatment group). The CSF2 primers assays Hs00929873_m1 and Mm01290062_m1 conjugated to Taqman® MGB probes were utilized in this analysis (Applied Biosystems, Foster City, Calif.). The relative abundance of GM-CSF was divided by the relative abundance of 18S in each sample to generate a normalized abundance. All samples were analyzed in triplicate and each experiment or N was analyzed separately and divided by the values of LPS and multiplied by 100 in order to present the results as percent LPS.

For AF-MSCs, RNA was extracted using Qiagen RNeasy® Mini Kits according to product protocol. Complementary DNA (cDNA) was generated from 1 μg of RNA/sample using the Qiagen miScript® II RT Kit. To assess expression, quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) was performed using equivalent dilutions of each sample (N=4 per treatment group) using RT² Profiler PCR custom array plates in combination with RT² SYBR® Green Mastermixes on a Bio-Rad CFX qPCR instrument. The relative abundance of GM-CSF was determined using the ΔΔC_(T) method.

Lactate Dehydrogenase Cytotoxicity Assay: The viability of AF-MSCs after treatment with 25 ug/ml of LPS was determined by measuring lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) leaking into the medium using the Pierce™ LDH Cytotoxicity Assay (Thermo Scientific, Waltham, Mass.) (N=4 per treatment group). After collecting cell culture medium, the cells were lysed with reaction mixture containing substrate mix (lyophilizate) and assay buffer. Extracellular LDH in the media was quantified using a coupled enzymatic reaction in which LDH catalyzes the conversion of lactate to pyruvate via NAD⁺ reduction to NADH. Diaphorase then uses NADH to reduce a tetrazolium salt (INT) to a red formazan product that can be measured at 490 nm. The level of formazan formation is directly proportional to the amount of LDH released into the medium, which is indicative of cytotoxicity. We have previously published 25 ug/ml of LPS is not cytotoxic to ectocervical and endocervical cells and therefore the cytotoxicity assay was not performed on these cell lines.

Statistical Analysis: Statistical analyses were performed comparing means or medians depending on whether the data were parametric (normally distributed p>0.05 Levene's test followed by Student's t test or one-way ANOVA) or non-parametric (Mann-Whitney test or ANOVA on ranks). If significance was met for multiple comparisons, pair-wise comparison was then performed using Student-Newman-Keuls (SNK). Analysis was performed by running Graph Pad Prism software (GraphPad, San Diego, Calif.).

Example 1 LPS Activates Release and Upregulates GM-CSF in Cervical Epithelial Cells and AF-MSCs

Treatment with LPS resulted in an increase in GM-CSF concentrations after 24 hours in ectocervical cells (p<0.0001), endocervical cells (p<0.0005), and AF-MSCs (p<0.01) as measured by ELISA. Expression of GM-CSF by real time qPCR increased in ectocervical cells (p<0.0005), endocervical cells (p<0.01), and AF-MSC's (p<0.0001) (FIGS. 1-6). Thus, LPS increases the concentration and gene expression of GM-CSF from cervical epithelial and AF-MSC's.

Example 2 Treatment with LPS did Not Increase LDH

While exposure to LPS leads to an increase in GM-CSF concentration, LPS had no effect on the concentration of LDH compared to controls in AF-MSCs after 24 hours (data not shown) using the LDH assay (p=0.61). This finding is consistent with previous evidence that LPS does not induce cell death in ectocervical and endocervical cells.

Example 3 LPS Increases Expression of GM-CSF in the Mouse Cervix and Uterus

GM-CSF expression was increased in the cervix and uterus of mice treated with an intrauterine injection of LPS compared to control mice that received saline (p<0.005, FIGS. 7 and 8). Thus, LPS is a potent promotor of GM-CSF expression.

Example 4 GM-CSF Blockade Therapy Prevents LPS Induced Preterm Birth and Decreases the GM-CSF Concentration in the Serum and Amniotic Fluid

Inflammation-induced preterm birth, defined as delivering a mouse pup thru the cervix within six hours, was reduced with GM-CSF antibody treatment. Within 6 hours of an intrauterine LPS injection, 87.5% (14 of 16) of mice where in the process of delivering at least one pup compared to 0 of 16 mice receiving an intrauterine injection of saline (FIG. 9). In mice administered both LPS and a control isotype IgG antibody, 66.67% (8 of 12) were in the process of delivering preterm within six hours. Of the 12 mice receiving LPS and the GM-CSF antibody, 75% (9 of 12) had not delivered within six hours, for a preterm birth rate of 25% (p<0.05, chi square).

Treatment with the GM-CSF antibody also decreased the concentration of GM-CSF in the serum. In mice receiving LPS only or LPS along with the IgG control antibody, serum concentrations of GM-CSF were significantly increased compared to saline controls and LPS+GM-CSF antibody mice (p<0.001). Additionally, GM-CSF antibody treatment decreased the concentration of GM-CSF in the amniotic fluid compared to the three other groups (FIGS. 10 and 11). Thus, suppressing GM-CSF in serum was associated with a reduced incidence of preterm birth.

Example 5 GM-CSF Antibody Effects on Characteristics of Cervix Remodeling

Images of the cervix stroma contained an abundance of purple-stained cell nuclei, a fraction of which were stained brown as an indication of the presence of mature macrophages. Abundance of macrophages, rather than morphology of cell nuclei or macrophages appeared to differ across sections with respect to treatments (FIG. 12). In response to treatment, neither the density of cell nuclei nor optical density of collagen birefringence in cervix stroma sections changed compared to mice in the saline group (FIGS. 13 and 14). However, macrophage density was reduced in cervix stroma in mice treated with the GM-CSF or IgG control antibody compared to those treated with either PBS or LPS. (FIG. 15).

Discussion: Using in vitro models, the results demonstrated GM-CSF is produced from ectocervical cells, endocervical cells, and AF-MSCs when challenged with LPS. GM-CSF is also upregulated in the cervix and uterus in a mouse model of preterm birth. Of critical importance, neutralization of systemic GM-CSF was associated with a decrease in the rate of inflammation-induced preterm birth, suggesting GM-CSF activity is a critical mediator in this animal model of inflammation-induced preterm parturition. Therefore, these findings raise the possibility systemic suppression of GM-CSF may be an approach to prevent preterm birth.

A pro-inflammatory immune response arising in reproductive tissue is believed to be a major component of preterm birth. Prior work on this topic has shown statins will decrease the preterm birth rate and the concentration of GM-CSF in the serum of mice treated with LPS. In addition, treatment with a broad spectrum chemokine inhibitor, which reduced serum concentration of several cytokines including GM-CSF, decreased the preterm birth rate in a mouse model of preterm birth. Although the function of GM-CSF is to increase the influx monocytes which differentiate into macrophages, the presence of macrophages in the cervix does not correlate with cervical function due to their heterogeneity. Activated macrophages will produce a number of cytokines and chemokines, including tumor necrosis factor (TNF), interleukin (IL)-1, IL-6, IL-8, and IL-12. Activated macrophages will also activate complement, and an increase in complement levels have been shown to mediate preterm birth. Thus, GM-CSF may decrease the number of activated differentiated macrophages in the cervix, resulting in a decrease in cytokines and complement thus decreasing preterm birth.

Treatment with the GM-CSF blocking antibody reduces the number of macrophages in the cervix within six hours after LPS to the same extent as the control isotype antibody. Although the effects of an inflammatory challenge on tissue resident immune cells has received little attention, this finding raises the possibility that reduced macrophage density in the cervix and perhaps other tissues may be in response to a xenogenic immune challenge. Nevertheless, the phenotype of macrophages and their local activity within six hours of LPS treatment and leading up to labor is likely different between mice receiving the blocking GM-CSF versus isotype control antibody, as mice receiving the GM-CSF antibody are less likely to deliver preterm. This focus on macrophage density and activity seems warranted as the neutralization of GM-CSF did not affect the cell nuclei density or extracellular cross-linked collagen structure in the peripartum cervix. This lack of GM-CSF effect was not expected, given that these endpoints of cervical remodeling (cellular hypertrophy, edema, and biomechanical compliance) are at or near plateau in a ripened cervix on day E17. Therefore, the mechanism by which the GM-CSF antibody prevents preterm birth is likely due to its ability to suppress macrophage activity and signaling rather than decreasing the number and density of macrophages in the cervix.

Of further interest is the counter-intuitive finding that macrophages in the cervix did not increase in mice receiving LPS alone despite preterm birth. This result is consistent with a previous study and may reflect the complexity of mature macrophage functions, i.e., inflammatory or regulatory, that are guided by local signals. These activities reflect macrophage phenotypes that would not be differentiated by staining for the F4/80 epitopes which reflects a role in phagocyte-related matrix interactions. Moreover, the time course of a changed census of residency by macrophages in the cervix may be overshadowed by effects of LPS to act directly upon toll like receptors on cervical stromal cells within the six hour period leading up to preterm birth. Although assessment of macrophage phenotypes and activities were beyond the scope in these studies, these findings raise the possibility that inflammation-induced ripening and preterm birth may accelerate pro-inflammatory processes in ways that differ from those at term parturition.

The use of immunomodulators have been widely used to treat a host of medical conditions ranging from cancers to autoimmune disorders, and specifically a monoclonal antibody to GM-CSF has been used to treat a variety of diseases including pediatric neuroblastomas, respiratory diseases, autoimmune disorders, and GI conditions. However, to our knowledge this is the first use of a GM-CSF antibody to prevent preterm birth. As the etiology of preterm birth and cervical remodeling is initiated by an upregulation of pro-inflammatory processes, and due to the increase in GM-CSF from multiple sites in the genital tract, our results were expected. Although counterintuitive, LPS did not alter the concentration of GM-CSF in the amniotic fluid, raising the possibility inflammation induced preterm birth is not acting thru a mechanism in the amniotic fluid. However, these results increase our understanding of the molecular pathways leading to preterm birth and may open up a new area of treatment modalities to decrease preterm birth and improve neonatal outcomes.

In summary, our results show the inhibition of GM-CSF during a pro-inflammatory immune response in the reproductive tract will prevent preterm birth. Our results also showed treatment with the GM-CSF antibody decreases the concentration of GM-CSF in the serum but does not alter the number of macrophages in the cervix, suggesting the GM-CSF antibody may be impacting macrophage function and activity. Further research is needed to determine if an antibody to GM-CSF could be utilized as a therapeutic agent to prevent spontaneous preterm birth.

In additional studies, Pregnant CD-1 mice on embryonic day 17 received an intrauterine injection of 10 μg of GM-CSF or vehicle control into each uterine horn. After 24 hours, mice were euthanized and assessed for vaginal pooling and arborized crystals or ferning. Uterine tissue was harvested and assessed for mRNA expression of matrix metallopeptidase (MMP) 9, extracellular MMP inducer (Emmprin), tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase (TIMP) 2, tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα), and interleukin-6 (IL-6). Amniotic fluid was also collected and assessed for the concentration of GM-CSF using an ELISA.

75% of mice treated with GM-CSF exhibited either vaginal pooling or ferning, consistent with premature rupture of membranes (PPROM), while control mice did not exhibit any signs of PPROM. None of the mice treated with GM-CSF or vehicle control delivered within 24 hours. Mice treated with GM-CSF had increased uterine expression of MMP9 (p<0.0005), Emmprin (p<0.0001), and TIMP2 (p<0.0001). Additionally, GM-CSF also increased the expression of the pro-inflammatory cytokines TNFα (p<0.05) and IL-6 (p<0.005). Lastly, the concentration of GM-CSF was significantly higher in the amniotic fluid of treated compared to control mice (p<0.0001). These studies demonstrate intrauterine GM-CSF will upregulate MMP9 and its inducer Emmprin leading to PPROM.

The use of the terms “a” and “an” and “the” and similar referents (especially in the context of the following claims) are to be construed to cover both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context. The terms first, second etc. as used herein are not meant to denote any particular ordering, but simply for convenience to denote a plurality of, for example, layers. The terms “comprising”, “having”, “including”, and “containing” are to be construed as open-ended terms (i.e., meaning “including, but not limited to”) unless otherwise noted. Recitation of ranges of values are merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range, unless otherwise indicated herein, and each separate value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein. The endpoints of all ranges are included within the range and independently combinable. All methods described herein can be performed in a suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g., “such as”), is intended merely to better illustrate the invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention unless otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element as essential to the practice of the invention as used herein.

While the invention has been described with reference to an exemplary embodiment, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the invention. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the invention without departing from the essential scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the particular embodiment disclosed as the best mode contemplated for carrying out this invention, but that the invention will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims. Any combination of the above-described elements in all possible variations thereof is encompassed by the invention unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. 

1. A method of treating a pregnant female subject, comprising administering to the pregnant female subject an effective amount of a Granulocyte Macrophage-Colony Stimulating Factor (GM-CSF) inhibitor, wherein the effective amount of the GM-CSF inhibitor is effective to reduce, prevent or delay preterm birth, wherein the GM-CSF inhibitor is a peptide that inhibits the interaction of CM-CSF and its receptor.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein preterm birth is spontaneous preterm birth.
 3. The method of claim 1, wherein the pregnant human female presents to labor and delivery with symptoms of preterm birth.
 4. The method of claim 1, wherein the female subject is a pregnant human at 20 to 37 weeks of gestation.
 5. The method of claim 4, wherein the pregnant human female subject is at risk of preterm birth.
 6. The method of claim 5, wherein the pregnant human female subject at risk of preterm birth has a short cervical length, an infection, a placental anomaly, has had a prior cesarean delivery, has or had uterine fibroids, a connective tissue disorder, is pregnant from in vitro fertilization, diabetes, blood clotting problems, high blood pressure, vaginal bleeding, a personal history of preterm birth, a family history of preterm birth, a previous pregnancy with 18 months of the current pregnancy, a current multi-fetal pregnancy, a uterine abnormality, a cervical abnormality, is overweight before or during pregnancy, is underweight before or during pregnancy, or is carrying a fetus with known birth defects.
 7. The method of claim 5, wherein the pregnant human female subject at risk of preterm birth is a human woman under the age of 20 or over the age of
 35. 8. The method of claim 5, wherein the pregnant human female subject at risk of preterm birth is a human woman engaging in smoking, engaging in drinking alcohol, using illegal drugs, with limited or no healthcare during pregnancy, subject to stress, subject to long working hours with long periods of standing, or exposed to environmental pollutants.
 9. The method of claim 1, further comprising checking the female subject for signs of preterm labor.
 10. The method of claim 9, wherein checking the female subject for signs of preterm labor comprises a cervical exam, a transvaginal ultrasound exam, testing for amniotic fluid, or testing for fetal fibronectin.
 11. The method of claim 1, further comprising administering tocolytic medicines, administering corticosteroids, performing cervical cerclage, and administering antibiotics.
 12. The method of claim 1, wherein the peptide comprises any one of SEQ ID NOs. 11-16, or a variant with 95% or more homology to any one of SEQ ID NOs. 11-16. 